SUMMARY
- European circuit looks to hold F1 races again.
- F1 is more focused on increasing races in the US.
In the last few years, F1 has shown interest in increasing the number of races in the US. However, they have reached the limit for the total number of races they can host during a season. Despite this fact, a European circuit is looking to make a comeback to the F1 calendar.
Exciting European circuit looks to make a comeback to Formula 1
According to the reports, the Turkish Grand Prix is looking for a way back to the F1 calendar. They hosted races from 2005 to 2011 in the Istanbul Park. However, the track was missing from the calendar from the 2012 season.
During the 2020 season, F1 was looking for countries to host races as most of the organizers closed their doors due to the pandemic. During this time, the Turkish Grand Prix opened its doors. The race became an immediate success. Lewis Hamilton won his 7th Championship during the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix.
The Turkish GP wants to return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2026. https://t.co/6GEibdfjNU
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) February 18, 2024
The organizers decided to hold the race next year as well. However, from the 2022 season, the Turkish Grand Prix was no longer on the calendar as the rest of the countries opened their doors to host F1 races. Since Istanbul Park did not have a permanent contract to host Formula 1 races, they were not chosen to be on the calendar.
However, now the organizers are reportedly pushing for a race in Istanbul. The race will most likely be welcomed by the fans. However, F1 is looking to increase the market in the US. This reduces the chances of the Turkish Grand Prix.
F1 looks to add another US race despite interest from Europe
F1 is already hosting 3 races in the US for the 2024 season. However, they have already started to have plans for a 4th race in the same country. A few weeks earlier, reports started coming in for a race in the streets of Chicago.
Initially, F1 had applied for the Chicago Grand Prix trademark. However, more recent reports suggest that the race will be called the Chicago Festival Grand Prix, or North American Grand Prix. The circuit will reportedly consist of European-style corners which would improve the quality of racing.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Organisers of the planned Chicago Grand Prix want to prioritise racing over “show”
Sources reveal that the planned Chicago Grand Prix will be “European-esque” and it will combine elements of loved European tracks into the planned Street Track.
The track will go… pic.twitter.com/C3Gv4R8q7d
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) February 10, 2024
The sport is not trying to make this like any other street circuit. They will look to prioritize the quality of racing by having long straights and fast and medium-paced corners. The track will reportedly go around Soldier’s Field, the home of the Chicago Bears.
We could see a race in Chicago as soon as 2026. It will be interesting to see the final layout of the track for the Chicago GP. However, this would mean that they will have to remove one of the existing tracks from the calendar. Which circuit do you think they will remove from the calendar for the race in Chicago?